In South Brisbane it is becoming more common to see multi-residential complexes targeted by thieves. There is an increase in thieves sneaking into communal areas such as unit car parks and stealing residents’ property and vehicles.

Police from South Brisbane Crime Prevention have been visiting high-rise unit complexes in the South Brisbane area and presenting important crime prevention messages to the owners and residents on multi-residential living security and how to prevent crimes in their secure car parks.

This weekend the police presented to a large group of residents of an apartment complex in West End.

Police shared the message that most break-ins are opportunistic, especially when there is the possibility of a quick and easy entry and unsecured valuables are visible.

Tips to help prevent theft:

• Identify management’s role and function in your building and have relevant phone numbers saved in your phone.
• Ensure you are aware of building evacuation and safety procedures.
• Close any communal doors that are open and unattended.
• Avoid lending keys to anyone, even if they are someone you trust.
• Make sure you have quality fitted door and window locks, with locks ‘keyed alike’ where possible.
• Always keep your balcony screen doors locked, even when you are home and during the evening.
• Avoid storing excess belongings and valuables in garage areas and lock-up garages.
• Keep your bicycle in a locked storage area where possible and consider removing the wheel or seat when not in use.
• Take a photograph of your bicycle, including the serial number, and save it in your records.
• In the absence of a locked storage area, secure bicycles to something solid and use additional security measures for motorcycles.
• When leaving your car unattended, remove all valuables including garage remotes and personal items, or ensure they are out of sight.
• Always lock your car, including the boot and remember to fully close all windows.
• Secure your registration plates with anti-theft screws.
• Check the garage door closes completely each time you enter and exit, so that potential offenders cannot sneak in.

How to reduce your risk of break-in

• Following the rules around parking, storage, maintenance and common areas is very effective in preventing crime.
• Some apartment complexes have an intercom system and when used properly, this is an invaluable security tool that allows residents to control entry of visitors to their building.
• Legitimate visitors may still be potential offenders so don’t allow them unsupervised access to communal areas of the building.
• You are responsible for your visitors, so make sure they behave in an appropriate manner when in your building.
• Keyed access to communal areas like laundries, staircases and swimming pools helps maintain security of the building.
• Many high-rise break-ins occur through open or unlocked balcony doors, even living several floors up does not offer absolute security from intruders.
• Ensure that external doors and screens to balconies are locked when the unit is unmonitored.
• Lighting is a valuable deterrent and ideally, should illuminate entry and exit points, fire exits, stairwells and other vulnerable areas.
• Maintain foliage and lighting to limit areas of concealment by offenders.
• Garages, stored property, vehicles and motorcycles are common targets for offenders.
• Most high-rise units have lifts for access and ideally, occupants should only have access to their own level and common areas.
• If you and your neighbour are aware of each other’s general habits, you can help prevent crime by being alert to anything out of the ordinary.